FA Trophy - Hornchurch 1 Stevenage Borough 0

[Urchins]

And so the run continues.

 

Lee Matthews returned from injury to bring our side closer to full strength and if Stevenage feel that they didn't play as well as they are used to then it could be that we didn't allow them to.

 

In truth the first half was nothing to write home about and although we probably shaded it, the visitors had the better chances - Dino Maamria should have scored with free header from a Simon Wormull cross but directed it straight at Danny Gay, and a bullet of a long range effort from Simon Travis was well held.

 

Our goal came 4 minutes into the second half. A John Martin throw fell to Gavin McGowan who powered into the box beating his marker and pulled the ball back for Mark Graham to pop the ball home at the far post. As the game wore on Stevenage had periods of possession which suggested they would get on top but they never quite seemed to find that spark of imagination and we remained comfortable at the back. The half-expected piling on of pressure in the final minutes never came and our frequent forays into their half prevented them from committing defenders to attack.

 

We are now at home to Burton Albion in the next round on February 14th. Can't wait.

 

Line-up:- Gay, Gooding, Kerrigan, Adedeji, Matthews, Locke, Graham, J Martin, John, Brayley, McGowan. Subs not used:- Douglas, Keeling, Cowley, Rowland, McCartney (GK).

[mala_D]

Considering that Stevenage had the advantage of a gale blowing towards our goal in the first half, we did very well.

But where did the wind go in the second? I've never seen such a complete transformation of the weather in such a short space of time. Thought we'd really batter them in the 2nd but instead were simply better than them.

Glad I didn't book up at Bognor after all!

 

Any chance of Cloughie Senior popping down to watch? Someone offer him a beer!

[pabird]

Good footballing sides often prefer playing into the wind with the ball holding up in the wind for forwards to run onto

Long ball sides very often failing to get the ball into forwards when the wind is behind and the opposition GK collecting the majority of the lumps forward

If Stevenage failed to cope with the wind thats lack of ability (until we play in indoor stadia)

 

[Urchino]

Well it seemed yesterday that George had obviouslly given them the kick up the preverbal "Ass". It was a great display, it truly was spot the conferance side. We defended well and the midfield ran their socks off. Kerrigan was my man of the match, attacked well and defended even better, the signing of the season so far for me.

 

Well done lads bring on Burton.

[Big J R]

Congratulations, you Hornchurchers ! I did look up the result on TV last night... AND, another home game in the next round !!

 

I wait with interest..............

 

And not a mention from LMU.

 

[color:"red"] Has she eloped with anyone we know ?? [color:"black"]

[YELLOW]

I think she's keeping a low profile at the moment, mate. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Fruitbat]

Great result Boys. I'm sure you appreciate Georgie Boy, as we did at EFC. Only Captain Picard could ever beat him.

Best of Luck for the Trophy.

Are you still playing in that Athletics stadium ?

[urchinboys]

Yes at the moment.....but have you got a stadium??

[mala_D]

Naughty naughty..Urchinboys.

You're making a habit of this. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

 

[urchinboys]

I know Mal but it is fun!!!

 

Good luck with the Op.

 

Are you going today?

[mala_D]

Cheers.

Yeah. Deffo!

Will no doubt be in the bar before, if not after the game.

I take it everyone on this forum will be going?

[Hornchurchmag O30crew]

Yes Mal... a couple in the BH, a couple in the bar before & at half time & who knows how many after the game <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />